Common Query Letter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Sending out a query letter to editors can be a harrowing experience. You've worked hard on the article (or the article idea), and you know the query letter can mean the difference between publication or the slush pile.  Start with the basics by reading Write A Query Letter That Sells!

A good query letter can mean your article gets published - and you get paid! A bad query letter can mean your article will be returned in your Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE), with nothing more than "Sorry, not for us" scribbled across the front of it.

So before you send your letter out to editors, check it for these common mistakes:

Statements from your mother (or brother or best friend).
Mistake: "All of my friends and family have read this article, and they think it's simply superb."
It's a mistake because: The editor doesn't care what your mom or spouse thinks about your article. The editor cares about his/her readers. (And the editor also knows that your loved ones may just prefer to praise your article rather than hurting your feelings.)

Avoid common mistakes to get your query letter noticed by a top editor!

Credit: mrjamin

Copyright: SXC